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Welcome Steve Yzerman: A letter from Jeff Vinik

by
Staff Writer
/ Tampa Bay Lightning

Dear Lightning Fans,

Please join me in welcoming Steve Yzerman to the Tampa Bay Lightning as our Vice President/General Manager and Alternate Governor to the NHL Board of Governors. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we introduce Steve to the Tampa Bay community, and we strongly believe Steve is the leader who will re-establish the Lightning as one of the top franchises in the National Hockey League.

After playing for 22 years and working as an executive in the front office four years for one of the most storied franchises (the Detroit Red Wings) in professional sports, Steve chose the Lightning to continue his hockey career and build his legacy as a General Manager. Steve has won four Stanley Cups (three as a player and another while working “upstairs” in Detroit) and was Executive Director for Hockey Canada’s gold medal team in the 2010 Olympics. We know Steve possesses the leadership, determination, integrity and work ethic needed to “Bring It Back” for you.

Steve will be responsible for our entire hockey operations department. His initial focus will be on hiring a head coach and getting us fully prepared for June’s NHL Entry Draft and the free agency period which begins on July 1st. I know that you, as a passionate Tampa Bay Lightning fan, will benefit from the fruits of Steve’s labor.

Our goals, and Steve’s goals, are aligned: To bring long-term, sustainable success to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey organization both on and off the ice. We have no doubt that Steve will be the perfect General Manager to help deliver that to you.